Upcoming MMFF 2025 Entry "I'M PERFECT" Set To Bring Strong Message of Love and Inclusion

When news came out of this movie being accepted as an entry for the Metro Manila Film Festival, I was excited about it. The concept is quite interesting, more so, it has not been done in Philippine cinema yet. Casting differently abled actors for the lead role, But what made this special, is the calling of proving what THEY CAN DO, rather than WHAT THEY CAN'T DO.

This film called "I'm Perfect" is something special. It's about unconditional love, the support actors describe this as reality, a spectrum of emotions, and when they were in the set, instead of them teaching the lead actors, they learned more instead. They taught them the currency of love and hugs, and watch them enjoy the process as actors for MMFF. They were overwhelmed!

Direk Ingrid says "I need to make a story, a film about 11 years ago. We won in FDCP and this was teased. This was to show that they can. I'm very lucky that this was noticed by Ms. Sylvia and Nathan Studios and made it happen. Kita Kita was 2017, but this was 2009. They forged my characters, they choose what to show and we only had to trust them. I know it is a risk for producers but I was given the right ones with passion. I didn't want to use them, because this is a passion project and we didn't want them to be used, but loved and be independent. I felt hope because it doesn't end there."

Ms. Sylvia says "I saw two of her scripts and didn't like it but this third one was an afterthought. She didn't believe I would do this, because it was 10 years ago, they wanted it but didn't trust that this will be made, but I knew that the kids with down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy can. I want to thank Janice, LT, Tonton, Zaijan, because at the beginning they knew they would support them, and they did. When I found the cast in Direk's laptop, I knew I had to do it. We met with the officials because we want their guidance and do it right. These kids will make history, so please make sure to watch it!"

Seeing them all talk on stage already made us all cry. I saw what they saw in them, and I think that's exactly what you'll see in theaters this Christmas. I overheard Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Chairman Elmer Lapeña while he was talking to a blogger friend where he says "They have one special ability, and that is to LOVE without inhibitions, magmahal ng wagas!"

Lead stars Earl Jonathan Amanda and Anne Krystel Daphne Go will make you feel love like you've never seen or felt before. They will be together with Ms. Sylvia Sanchez, Janice De Belen, Ms. Lorna Tolentino, Tonton Gutierrez, Joey Marquez and Zaijian Jaranilla. 

Here's what happened at the Mediacon!

During the talk, it made me wonder that we might be wasting time treating them differently... but they probably need to be treated plain and the same. It's an eye opener, looking at family dynamics on how to love, and how to do it purely, without judgement, hesitation, or anger. That's what they want you to feel in this film, and if you're up to it, you can support them on the 25th!

FAMILY OF TWO: A Film with FAMILY at its Core

The excitement over the Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards movie "Family of Two" is but a good measure of the caliber of actors they have in the film. The accolades they have would probably have filled a room or two from their previous projects and having them in the Metro Manila Film Festival was just fate, we could say, well deserved.

Their trailer alone garnered millions of views when it was released a few weeks ago, and the strong show of support on the premiere night probably have stamped reasons why people should watch it on Christmas Day.

Ms. Sharon proudly says "Not everybody becomes my son or daughter, a few really I could say have got close. I could say Alden is one, and Coco the other. We grew even close with this project. My kids even told me that he's like me, even more than them. I totally agree, we have so much in common than what I do with my children. It is weird in a good way. It only took us two workshop dates to get acquainted. My staff even told me that he talks like me, a bit scared about the similarities. I think that's the big factor why we do get along. He's the boy version of me."

Ms. Sharon adds "I wish this Christmas, Alden gets his hearts desires... because he deserves it. He has given so much for his family and to other people. And he's a good boy, a good son. I want my son to grow up like him. I appreciate what my Mom did for me, I need her now, and I think about it. Those conflicts won't matter, spend time with them, because you cannot bring back time."

Alden says "Back in 2019, I was asked who to work with. Ms. Sharon was one of those, and I told myself, I wish to be able to work with her with this kind of theme. Like a mother and son, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do this. I will really regret if I didn't do this project."

"When I was growing up, I remember my Mom prepping my lunch boxes, waking up way ahead of me. When we were young, we often get a bit shy when parents get clingy. Some are expressive, and my character was much like me. It kind of hurts that when the time comes, you'll look for that. And that's the message of the film, you take for granted things, when I lost my Mom, I wanted to do things for her, but I couldn't anymore because she's gone. Everyone will leave us in this world, let's not be too shy showing our feelings, let's not wait for that to happen because most of you are so lucky to have family with you. This film teaches us those family moments, you need to value getting together as a family. Kids should be given roots and wings, let them fly, like Maricar and Mateo, know when to let go. When this presscon ends, call your Mom or Dad, tell them you love them, because I envy you, that I can't."

Here's our red carpet video and the actual mediacon in full.

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Cineko Productions has really a good entry this year, I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes a top grosser because of the sheer star power this has. Aside from that, a topic that is current, something that every son and daughter can relate to. This is what we need, it's about FAMILY. Feedback from the people who watched the film warned me about this being a cry session, I expect that and more. I love Family Matters and since this is Directed by Nuel Naval, it would certainly be full of emotions. They are going to be a giant, and from the looks of it, people are looking forward to watch this first amongst the 10 entries in the MMFF 2023. I know with both of them in the film, this will become a classic. Perhaps, this could be perfectly sent to festivals abroad, to hopefully have them cry about it too.

This is written by Mel Medoza-del Rosario.

Congratulations and I love you Ms. Sharon and Alden!